Fiji’s amateur boxing head coach Cam Todd says exposure to international fights is the key to building stronger local fighters.
Todd is preparing nine of his top boxers to compete at the Australian Golden Gloves in July and believes the tournament will provide the experience they need ahead of the Men’s and Women’s World Championships later in the year.
“We need more of these overseas competitions,” Todd said in an interview with the Fiji Times.
“They help the boxers grow, both in and out of the ring. The level of competition is high, and it forces our boxers to lift their performance.”
The team is based at the Stan Brown Boxing Gym in Walu Bay, Suva, where they are training daily.
“They’re in good shape and working hard. Most of them are close to their target weight already, which is a good sign,” he said.
Todd said the Australian Golden Gloves is a vital steppingstone for the sport in Fiji.
“We’re looking to build depth. These kinds of events are important for that. It’s not just about winning, it’s about learning and gaining experience,” he said.
Todd just returned from Colorado with another team that competed in the 2025 USA Boxing International Open last month from April 16-20.
“Our junior and youth boxers are also in training,” he added.
“They train with me a few days a week and also with their personal coaches. That relationship is important to maintain.”
Todd said the aim is to have all boxers ready and confident when they step into the ring in Australia.
Meanwhile there will be a local boxing competition set to take place this Saturday at Stan Brown Boxing Gym in Walu Bau, Suva.
